CV Writer Interview Page-10

Q. Do you have any tips for would-be writers?
A. I think the biggest tip that I would give to any would-be CV writer is to get into the business for the right reasons. If you really think you have the knowledge, intelligence and writing ability to help people improve their job prospects then by all means go for it.
The reason I say this is that there are many so-called professional CV writers out there who don’t necessarily put the customer first, don’t try as hard as they should, and don’t even have the ability to create successful CVs even if they did try.

Q. Anything else?
A. Well assuming that the writer is in the right reasons, I would say that if they really want to help clients they really need to find out more about newer, more modern, more effective CV writing methods. It sounds a very obvious thing to say, but the vast majority of CV writers are stuck in the past, using flawed traditional methodology. This isn’t necessarily the fault of the writers, because sometimes flawed methods are imposed on the writers by CV service companies. However, if a CV writer really wants to help clients then he/she needs to write the best possible CV for them, and this just won’t happen by implementing flawed methodology. So if someone is really serious about good quality CV writing, then they need to be proactive, and learn more about the subject.

Q. Anything else?
A. I also think they should be honest with themselves. Some people work as professional CV writers, but they aren’t exactly fantastic writers themselves, and deep down they probably know that they are not helping clients as much as other more talented and experienced writers would.
Obviously, it’s their own personal decision, but if someone wasn’t helping clients as much as they should do, then personally I think they should question their motives.

Paul Hichens, top UK CV specialist, head of leading firm CV Succeed, and author of the most pioneering CV book in decades, The One Page CV (published by top career sector publishers Pearson Education).